FISHING RODS

1-6-2011--Last summer I fielded several questions about rod choices. I decided to document my thoughts on the subject as soon as I had some some slack time.

My experience is that, when fishing from a bay boat, most people do better with a 6 1/2 or 7 foot rod. Over time my idea of the ideal length has decreased. Years ago I favored 8 foot rods with the idea I could cast farther. I now believe that accuracy is more important and one can generally just move a little closer if need be. At this time I actually prefer a 6 foot 9 inch rod but they are hard to come by unless you have them custom made.

A medium action rod seems about right for working both live and artificial baits for speckled trout. I prefer a medium heavy rod for redfish and black drum.

Over the years I've used just about every brand of fishing rod, be it fly, spinning or casting, in pursuit of both fresh and saltwater fish. A few years ago while fly fishing in the Taupo area of New Zealand, I was introduced to Temple Fork Outfitter fly rods. The Kiwis said TFO were the best rods they had found for their use. I was impressed because they used the very best of equipment, i. e. Simms boots, waders and jackets along with high quality reels. After using the outfitters TFO rods (mine were stolen on the way there,but that's another story) for several days I couldn't wait to get home and check out availability.

It turned out that TFO has a complete line of fly rods for all situations. Not only that but they also have first class spinning and bait casting rods. The legendary rod builder Gary Loomis is now providing design and engineering expertise for TFO rods. I still have some other brands, but all new rods I'm purchasing are TFO except for an ocasional custom made rod from Todd's Rods in San Antonio, Texas. Todd Bessette uses the very best components including titanium guides for the rods he builds. He can be contacted at 210-490-5874 or tbessette@satx.rr.com.

Now a few words about using fishing rods. The rod handle is designed to hold in your hands but the middle of the rod is not. It seems I tell someone this almost every trip. Rods seldom break no matter how big the fish unless a hand gets placed above the handle. If a rod does break while being held by the handle it will generally be the result of previous damage such as being stepped on, banged with a weight etc. The rod can be damaged and still look OK until that big fish is hooked and the rod is stressed. BOTTOM LINE - buy a quality rod, take care not to damage it and hold it by the handle and it will likely outlast the fisherman.

TFO spinning and bait casting rods cost just under $100 and are available in most tackle stores. The TFO web site is www.tforods.com